Methods of forming a leakproof pitched roof section or wall with the use of solar panels

ABSTRACT

A method of forming a leakproof pitched wall or roof section with the use of solar panels includes arranging the solar panels in rows so that at least one panel on the second row is offset upwardly relative to at least one panel on the first row. Seals are provided to prevent the leakage of liquid through the pitched wall or roof section formed by the solar panels.

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/891,894 to McDonald, filed on Jun. 3,2020 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,447,954 on Sep. 20, 2022, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/857,457 filed on Jun. 5, 2019 and entitled “System, Apparatus &Methods for Mounting Panels”, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to mounting panels upon, or toform, at least part of a pitched roof, wall or other structure. Incertain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems,apparatus and methods for forming a leakproof roof, wall or otherstructure that includes solar panels.

BACKGROUND

Mounting panels upon, or to form, a pitched roof, wall or otherstructure may involve any variety of considerations and challenges.Depending upon the situation, some example possible considerations andchallenges are ease of mounting and removal of the panels, aestheticappearance, providing proper grounding (e.g., solar panels), weatherand/or leak resistance and wind tolerance. In some cases, it may bedesirable to be able to easily remove single panels, such as formaintenance or replacement, and/or provide a leakproof structure.

In the use of solar panels, for example, existing techniques arebelieved to have one or more limitations. Solar panel mounting systemsare typically not leakproof and rely on the underlying substructure(e.g., roof) to provide weatherproofing. In many cases, the solar panelsare not mounted in a manner that encourages rainwater and other liquidsto shed, or flow, easily off the assembled structure or to prevent theleakage thereof between the panels and through the structure. In someinstances, the panels are not mounted on a framework dedicated tosupporting the panels and/or which can be easily assembled anddisassembled. For another example, various existing systems andtechniques cover, or obstruct, a good portion of the surface area of thelight-receiving elements of the solar panel and thus sacrifice some ofthe critical functionality of the panels. For still a further example,many existing solar panel mounting techniques and systems haveexternally visible connectors or do not allow for individual panelsand/or the supporting structure therefor to be easily or individuallyremoved.

Accordingly, there exists a need for improved systems, apparatus andmethods useful for mounting panels on, or to form, a pitched roof, wallor other structure. Such improved systems, apparatus and methods mayhave one or more of the attributes or capabilities listed below, asdescribed or shown in other portions of this patent or as may beapparent therefrom: a panel mounting system that can accommodatedifferent sizes (length, width, thickness) of panels; panels may beorganized in a stepped fashion; successive rows of panels may bevertically offset relative to each other; panels may not overlap orobstruct one another; the top faces and front edges of panels may besubstantially, or entirely, uncovered and unblocked; solar panels may bearranged in vertically-offset, but not overlapping, rows and without,more than minimally, covering or obstructing the photovoltaic portionsthereof; a panel support framework may be mounted onto the underlyingsubstructure and panels secured to the framework; the panels and/orpanel support framework members may be individually removable andreplaceable; a panel support framework useful for mounting panels asdesired may be custom-sized to accommodate different sizes of panelsand/or roofs, walls or other structures; a panel support frameworkuseful for mounting panels may include support beams that may be customfabricated to support panels of any desired width, length and thickness;a panel attachment system and method may allow any type/shape/size ofpanels to be installed easier and at less cost (e.g., material and/orlabor costs) to form a leakproof roof, wall or other structure withimproved functionality (e.g., improved light reception or photoelectriceffect of solar panels) as compared to other currently availablesystems; the panels may be mounted so that the resulting roof, wall orother structure is leakproof and without requiring the underlyingsubstructure to be completed; every panel row may drain to the nextlower panel row on the outside of the roof or other structure; panelsmay be arranged so that liquid may flow unimpeded from the top face ofthe panel(s) of a higher row, down over the front edge thereof, onto thetop face of the panel(s) of the next lower row and so on until theliquid drops off the roof, wall or other structure; each edge of a panelmay be provided at least two distinct seal mechanisms; each interfacebetween a panel and panel support framework may include at least oneseal; spaces or structures between adjacent panels may be sealed; eachconnection or joint between panels and a panel support framework may besealed to eliminate water infiltration; panels may be mounted in a blockpattern or any other (e.g., custom-shaped) configuration (e.g., withtriangle-shaped corner panels) to form a leakproof structure; panels maybe set in sealant at their edges around their entire peripheries; panelsmay be secured in position along one or more of their edges; clamps maysecure panels along their side edges to a framework; the fasteners tohold down the panels may be hidden or not visible; a panel may besecured in place simply by clamping it to a rail on each side edgethereof; the panels may be mounted to form a smooth external appearancewithout visible fasteners; panels may be clamped down into sealant; or acombination thereof.

It should be understood that the above-described examples,disadvantages, limitations, features and capabilities are provided forillustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope orsubject matter of this disclosure or the appended claims. Thus, none ofthe appended claims should be limited by the above discussion orconstrued to address, include or exclude each or any of the above-citedexamples, disadvantages, features and capabilities merely because of themention thereof herein.

In some embodiments, methods of forming a leakproof pitched wall or roofsection with solar panels on an underlying subframe having multiplespaced-apart subframe members is provided. Each solar panel has a topface, front face at a front edge thereof and rear face at a rear edgethereof, the top face meeting the front face at a transition. Thesemethods include mounting a panel support framework onto at least some ofthe subframe members. A first row of solar panels is secured to thepanel support framework closer to the lower end than the upper end ofthe subframe and extends angularly upwardly over part of the panelsupport framework. A second row of solar panels is secured to the panelsupport framework between the first row of solar panels and the upperend of the subframe and extends angularly upwardly over part of thepanel support framework. The solar panels are (i) arranged so that atleast one panel on the second panel row is offset upwardly relative toat least one solar panel on the first row and (ii) secured to the panelsupport framework without covering over 10% of the top face andtransition of each solar panel. Seals are provided between the solarpanels and panel support framework to prevent the leakage of liquidthrough the pitched wall or roof section formed by the solar panels.Liquid is allowed to flow unimpeded from the top face of at least one ofthe solar panels on the second panel row down onto the top face of atleast one of the solar panels of the first panel row.

The present disclosure also includes embodiments of methods of forming aleakproof pitched wall or roof section with solar panels by mounting apanel support framework onto a subframe. The panel support frameworkincludes at least first and second angularly-oriented support beamsextending at least partially between the upper and lower ends of thesubframe. The second angularly-oriented support beam is linearly alignedwith and offset upwardly relative to the first angularly-orientedsupport beam in a stepped fashion. A first row of solar panels issecured to the panel support framework closer to the lower end than theupper end of the subframe and extends angularly upwardly over part ofthe panel support framework. A second row of solar panels is secured tothe panel support framework between the first panel row and the upperend of the subframe and extends angularly upwardly over part of thepanel support framework. Each panel row includes at least first andsecond solar panels, the first and second solar panels of eachrespective row being positioned side-by-side. A right side edge of thefirst solar panel and a left side edge of the second solar panel of thefirst panel row rest atop the first angularly-oriented support beam anda right side edge of the first solar panel and a left side edge of thesecond solar panel of the second panel row rest atop the secondangularly-oriented support beam. At least one solar panel on the secondpanel row is offset upwardly relative to at least one solar panel on thefirst panel row in a stepped fashion. Seals are provided between thesolar panels and panel support framework to prevent the leakage ofliquid through the pitched wall or roof section formed by the solarpanels. Liquid is allowed to flow unimpeded from a top face of at leastone of the solar panels on the second panel row down onto a top face ofat least one of the solar panels of the first panel row.

Various embodiments involve methods of forming a leakproof pitched wallor roof section with solar panels on an underlying subframe havingmultiple spaced-apart subframe members. Each solar panel has a frontface at a front edge thereof, a rear face at a rear edge thereof and atop face meeting the front face at a transition and having one or morephotovoltaic portions for receiving sunlight. These methods includemounting a panel support framework onto at least some of the subframemembers. A plurality of clamps is used to releasably, securely clamp afirst row of solar panels to the panel support framework closer to thelower end than the upper end of the subframe and to extend angularlyupwardly over part of the panel support framework and a second row ofsolar panels to the panel support framework between the first panel rowand the upper end of the subframe and to extend angularly upwardly overpart of the panel support framework so that at least one solar panel onthe second panel row is offset upwardly relative to at least one solarpanel on the first panel row. The solar panels are secured to the panelsupport framework without covering or overlapping the transition orphotovoltaic portion(s) of any of the solar panels. Seals are providedbetween the solar panels and panel support framework to prevent theleakage of liquid through the pitched wall or roof section formed by thesolar panels. Liquid is allowed to flow unimpeded from the top face ofat least one of the solar panels on the second panel row, down over thefront edge of at least one of the solar panels on the second panel rowand onto the top face of at least one of the solar panels of the firstpanel row.

In many embodiments, methods of forming a leakproof pitched wall or roofsection with solar panels on an underlying subframe having multiplespaced-apart subframe members include mounting a panel support frameworkonto at least some of the subframe members. The panel support frameworkincludes at least first and second angularly-oriented support beams,each angularly-oriented support beam extending partially between theupper and lower ends of the subframe. A first row of solar panels issecured to the panel support framework closer to the lower end than theupper end of the subframe and extends angularly upwardly over part ofthe panel support framework. A second row of solar panels is secured tothe panel support framework between the first panel row and the upperend of the subframe so that at least one panel on the second panel rowis offset upwardly relative to at least one solar panel on the firstpanel row. First and second solar panels of the first panel row arepositioned side-by-side so that a right side-edge of the first solarpanel and a left side-edge of the second solar panel are positioned overthe first angularly-oriented support beam. Seals are provided betweenthe solar panels and panel support framework to prevent the leakage ofliquid through the pitched wall or roof section formed by the solarpanels. The seals include at least one seal strip sandwiched at leastpartially between the first angularly-oriented support beam and a bottomface of the first solar panel of the first panel row along its rightside-edge and at least one seal strip sandwiched at least partiallybetween the first angularly-oriented support beam and a bottom face ofthe second solar panel of the first panel row along its left side-edge.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In some embodiments, the present disclosure involves methods of mountingat least two rows of panels onto an underlying structure to form atleast part of a pitched roof or wall and allow the unimpeded flow ofliquid, such as rainwater, down across the roof or wall. The underlyingstructure may be formed with upper and lower ends and left and rightsides. The upper end of the underlying structure is higher than thelower end so that the pitched roof or wall may extend angularlydownwardly atop and at least partially between the upper and lower endsof the underlying structure. At least one distinct panel is provided ineach panel row and each panel includes top and bottom faces, front andrear edges and left and right side edges. These methods include mountinga panel support framework onto the underlying structure, the panelsupport framework being distinct from the panels and underlyingstructure. The first panel row is secured to the panel support frameworkclosest to the lower end of the underlying structure and extendsangularly upwardly therefrom over part of the panel support framework.The second panel row is secured to the panel support framework betweenthe first panel row and the upper end of the underlying structure andextends angularly upwardly over part of the panel support framework. Thepanels are arranged so that each panel on the second row is offsetupwardly relative to each panel on the first row in a stepped fashionand the panels do not cover or overlap one another. Liquid is allowed toflow unimpeded from the top face of panel(s) of the second panel row,down over the front edge thereof and onto the top face of the panel(s)of the second panel row.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure involves a system formounting at least two rows of panels onto an underlying structure toform at least part of a pitched roof, wall or other structure(s) andallow the unimpeded flow of liquid, such as rainwater, down across thepitched roof or wall. The underlying structure may be formed with upperand lower ends and left and right sides, the upper end being higher thanthe lower end so that the pitched roof or wall may extend angularlydownwardly atop and at least partially between the upper and lower endsof the underlying structure. At least one distinct panel is provided ineach panel row. Each panel includes top and bottom faces, front and rearedges and left and right side edges. The system includes a panel supportframework (e.g., that is distinct from the panels and underlyingstructure). The panel support framework may include at least first,second and third spaced-apart horizontal beams configured to extend overthe underlying structure at least partially from the left to the rightsides of the underlying structure and so that the first horizontal beamis closest to the lower end of the underlying structure, the secondhorizontal beam is situated between the first horizontal beam and theupper end of the underlying structure and the third horizontal beam issituated between the second horizontal beam and the upper end of theunderlying structure.

The system of these embodiments also includes at least first and secondrows of spaced-apart vertical beams each configured to extend partiallybetween the upper and lower ends of the underlying structure so that thefirst row of vertical beams extends between the first and secondhorizontal beams and the second row of vertical beam extends between thesecond and third horizontal beams. Each vertical beam includes at leastone panel mounting surface upon which at least part of at least onepanel may be supported so that the first panel row can be supported onthe first row of vertical beams and the second panel row can besupported on the second row of vertical beams. The front edge of eachpanel on the second panel row is positioned proximate to the rear edgeof at least one panel on the first panel row and none of the panelscover, or overlap, any of the other panels. The vertical beams areconfigured to be arranged so that the vertical beams in each verticalbeam row extend in a different longitudinal plane than the verticalbeams in the other respective vertical beam rows. The longitudinal planeof each vertical beam in the second vertical beam row is offset upwardlyrelative to the longitudinal plane of each vertical beam in the firstvertical beam row so that the second panel row will be offset upwardlyrelative to the first panel row and liquid may flow unimpeded from thetop face of the panel(s) of the second panel row, down over the frontedge thereof and onto the top face of the panel(s) of the first panelrow.

The following features are optional depending upon the embodiment of thesystem and/or method. Each vertical beam may be rigidly, releasablycoupled at each end to the respective adjacent horizontal beam with atleast one U-shaped or L-shaped connector. At least some of thehorizontal beams may be configured to rest at least partially upon theunderlying structure and be rigidly, releasably coupled thereto with atleast one coupler. Each panel may contact, or be releasably secured to,the panel support framework at, or proximate to, at least one interfaceand at least one seal may be disposed at, or proximate to, eachinterface to form a leakproof pitched roof or wall. In some embodiments,at least two seals may be provided at, or proximate to, each interface.

At least one elongated clamp may be positionable over at least one panelalong at least part of one of the side edges thereof and releasablysecurable to one of the vertical beams to secure the panels to the panelsupport framework. At least one elongated seal may be sandwiched betweeneach elongated clamp and each panel it secures to the panel supportframework. When the top face of each panel meets the front face thereofat a transition, each elongated clamp may include a pressure plateextendable over substantially the entire side edge of each panelassociated therewith without more than minimally obstructing or coveringthe top face and transition thereof. Each pressure plate may bereleasably rigidly securable to the associated vertical beam andadjustably tightenable to secure each respective associated panel to theassociated vertical beam.

First and second panel mounting surfaces of a first vertical beam may beconfigured to support the right side edge of a first panel and the leftside edge of a second panel of the first panel row, respectively. Firstand second panel mounting surfaces of a second vertical beam may beconfigured to support the right side edge of a first panel and the leftside edge of a second panel of the second panel row, respectively. Thesecond vertical beam may be offset upwardly relative to the firstvertical beam in a stepped fashion. A first elongated clamp may beconfigured to extend over at least part of the adjacent side edges ofthe first and second panels of the first panel row and be releasablycoupled to the first vertical beam. A second elongated clamp may beconfigured to extend over at least part of the adjacent side edges ofthe first and second panels of the second panel row and be releasablycoupled to the second vertical beam. First and second elongated sealsmay be sandwiched between the first elongated clamp and the first andsecond panels of the first panel row, respectively. Third and fourthelongated seals may be sandwiched between the second elongated clamp andthe respective first and second panels of the second panel row. At leastone seal strip may be sandwiched between the bottom face of the firstpanel of the first panel row, along its right side edge, and the firstvertical beam. At least one seal strip may be sandwiched between thebottom face of the second panel of the first panel row, along its leftside edge, and the first vertical beam. At least one seal strip may besandwiched between the bottom face of the first panel of the secondpanel row, along its right side edge, and the second vertical beam. Atleast one seal strip may be sandwiched between the bottom face of thesecond panel of the second panel row, along its left side edge, and thesecond vertical beam.

Each horizontal beam may be positioned so that the rear face of eachpanel of the first panel row abuts the front face of the secondhorizontal beam and the front edge of each panel of the second panel rowrests atop part of the second horizontal beam and spaced rearwardly ofthe front face of the second horizontal beam. The panels on the secondpanel row may be vertically offset upwardly from, and spaced rearwardlyof, the panels on the first panel row. At least one seal strip may besandwiched at least partially between the rear face of each respectivepanel on the first panel row and the front face of the secondhorizontally-oriented support beam. At least one seal strip may besandwiched at least partially between bottom face of each respectivepanel on the second panel row and the second horizontally-orientedsupport beam. When at least one seam is formed between rear edge of eachpanel on the first panel row and the second horizontally-orientedsupport beam and/or at least one seam is formed between the front edgeof each panel on the second panel row and the secondhorizontally-oriented support beam, a respective cap bead seal may beextended across each seam. At least one strip of flashing may beextended over the seam formed between the rear edge of each panel on thefirst panel row and the second horizontally-oriented support beam.

When the front face of a panel meets the top face thereof at atransition, a plurality of clamps may be used to secure the panels tothe panel support framework. The clamps and panel support framework maybe configured to position the panels to form at least part of thepitched roof or wall without more than minimally obstructing or coveringthe entire top and front faces of each panel and the transition of eachpanel along substantially the entire front edge thereof. Each clamp maybe configured to clamp part of the frame of at least one solar panel tothe panel support framework and the panels may be positioned by theclamps and support framework so that none of the panels covers oroverlaps the photovoltaic portion(s) of any of the solar panels. Aplurality of seals may be disposed between the panels and panel supportframework to prevent the leakage of liquid down through the pitched roofor wall formed by the panels.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure involves systems, apparatusand methods for attaching panels on a slope in a way that allows norainwater (and other liquid) penetration. The panels may be assembled toform a leakproof slope. These systems, apparatus and methods may include(e.g., aluminum) panel support members that can be custom-sized tosupport panels having any desired width, length and thickness. Multiplerows of panels may, for example, be arranged to maintain the integrityof the attachment while also managing water flow so no waterinfiltration occurs through the structure. Each row of panels may bearranged in a stepped fashion to allow water to be transferred from onerow to the next. In some instances, panels can be attached to a supportframework in a bed of sealant along their long edges by pressure platesand the short edges of the panels may be sealed to the framework withsealant and require no connectors.

Accordingly, the present disclosure includes features and advantageswhich are believed to enable it to advance panel mounting technology.Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure described aboveand additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of various embodiments and referring to the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are part of the present specification, included todemonstrate certain aspects of various embodiments of this disclosureand referenced in the detailed description herein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary roof portion of a car porthaving solar panels and assembled using an exemplary panel mountingsystem and method in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of part of the exemplaryroof shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exemplary solar panel shown in FIG.1 ;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of part of the exemplary panel supportframework of the panel mounting system shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of the middle of the exemplary roofof FIG. 1 showing two adjacent rows of panels mounted in the exemplarypanel mounting system;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of part of an exemplary leakproof rooftaken in the middle of the roof looking to the left, showing theintersection of two adjacent rows of panels in a vertically-offsetrelationship and assembled using an exemplary panel mounting system andmethod in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of part of an exemplary leakproof rooftaken in the middle of the roof looking toward the ridge of the roof,showing the attachment of adjacent panels in the same row to a commonvertical beam of an exemplary panel support framework in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of part of the lower end of the exemplaryroof of FIG. 1 showing two adjacent rows of panels mounted in theexemplary panel mounting system;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of part of an exemplary leakproof rooftaken on the far left side, and looking toward the ridge, of the roofand assembled in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of far left, lower corner of the exemplaryroof of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of part of the exemplary elongated rubberseal shown in FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of part of a leakproof roof taken atthe ridge of the roof looking to the left and assembled using anexemplary panel mounting system and method in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of part of the underside the exemplaryroof shown in FIG. 1 at the lower end thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure and additionalfeatures and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in theart upon consideration of the following detailed description ofexemplary embodiments and/or referring to the accompanying figures. Itshould be understood that the description herein and appended drawings,being of example embodiments, are not intended to limit the claims ofthis patent (or any patent or patent application claiming priorityhereto). On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure and the relevant claims. Many changes may be made to theparticular embodiments and details disclosed herein without departingfrom such spirit and scope.

In showing and describing preferred embodiments in the appended figures,common or similar elements are referenced with like or identicalreference numerals or are apparent from the figures and/or thedescription herein. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certainfeatures and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated inscale or in schematic.

As used herein and throughout various portions (and headings) of thispatent (including the claims), the terms “invention”, “presentinvention” and variations thereof are not intended to mean everypossible embodiment encompassed by this disclosure or any particularclaim(s). Thus, the subject matter of each such reference should not beconsidered as necessary for, or part of, every embodiment hereof, or ofany particular claim(s), merely because of such reference.

Certain terms are used herein and in the appended claims to refer toparticular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate,different persons may refer to a component by different names, and thisdocument does not intend to distinguish between components that differin name but not function. Also, the terms “including” and “comprising”are used herein and in the appended claims in an open-ended fashion, andthus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . .”. The use of “(s)” in reference to an item, component or action (e.g.,“surface(s)”) throughout this patent should be construed to mean “atleast one” of the referenced item, component or act. Further, referenceherein and in the appended claims to components, feature, actions,aspects, etc. in a singular tense does not limit the present disclosureor appended claims to only one such component feature, action, aspect,etc., but should be interpreted to mean one or more, except and only tothe extent as may be expressly specified otherwise herein or in aparticular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s)depending therefrom.

As used throughout this patent, the following terms have the followingmeanings, except and only to the extent as may be expressly specifiedotherwise:

The terms “approximately” and variations thereof means within a range ofdeviation of 10% of the referenced parameter, variable, value, eventetc.

The terms “elongated” and variations thereof as used herein mean,include and refer to an item having an overall length (during theintended use of the item) that is greater than its average width.

The terms “generally”, “substantially” and variations thereof as usedherein mean and include as much as or 100% of the referenced parameter,variable, value, event etc. and as little as approximately 90% thereof.

The terms “minimally” and variations thereof mean no more thanapproximately 5%.

The terms “coupled”, “connected”, “engaged” and the like, and variationsthereof mean either an indirect or direct connection or engagement.Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection maybe through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection viaother devices and connections.

The terms “rigidly coupled”, “rigidly connected”, “rigidly engaged” andvariations thereof mean connected together in a manner that is intendednot to allow relative movement therebetween during typical or expecteduse. In other words, if components A and B are rigidly coupled together,they should not move relative to one another during typical or expectedoperations.

Any component identified as a “plate” herein includes, but is notlimited to, a plate as that term is commonly understood (e.g., a thin,flat sheet or strip of metal or other material, typically used to joinor strengthen things or forming part of a machine), but may includenon-planar surfaces (e.g., may be a curved or curvilinear-shaped member,housing, cone, sleeve, flange, collar etc.), not be thin per se, haveany other form suitable for use in the particular configuration in whichit is used, be comprised of multiple parts or a combination thereof.

It should be noted that any of the above terms may be further explained,defined, expanded or limited below or in other parts of this patent.Further, the above list of terms is not all inclusive, and other termsmay be defined or explained below or in other sections of this patent.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , embodiments of systems, apparatus andmethods for mounting panels 10 upon, or to form, at least part of apitched roof, or wall, 12 will now be described. As used throughout thispatent, the terms “panel” and variations thereof refer to a sealed orleakproof section of one or more materials and/or components that can beused as an exterior part of a roof and which is, except and only to theextent as may be expressly specified otherwise. In many embodiments, thepanel may possess properties that provide good adhesion for sealants,such as silicone caulk. As used throughout this patent, the terms“roof”, “wall” and variations thereof mean and include an entire pitchedroof, wall or other structure, or one or more portions thereof. Theterms “roof” and “wall” are thus used herein a catchall to encompass anyat least partially pitched structure (e.g., single or dual pitch roof)formed by the panels 10 or upon which the panels 10 are mounted inaccordance with this patent. Further, the distinction between whetherthe panels 10 are used to form the roof, wall or other structure, or aremounted thereupon is of little or no consequence to many embodiments ofthe present disclosure. Thus, for reader's convenience, any referenceherein to “forming the roof”, “forming the wall” and variations thereofincorporate (i) both forming or being mounted upon (ii) at least part ofa roof, wall or other structure. Accordingly, the actual structure beingformed with the panels 10 or upon which the panels 10 are mounted,whether it be an entirely, or partially, pitched roof, wall or otherstructure, is not limiting upon the present disclosure, appended claimsand claims of any patent claiming priority hereto, except and only tothe extent as may be expressly specified otherwise, such as in aparticular claim and only for such claim(s) and claim(s) dependingtherefrom.

The panels 10 may be of any desired type and have any desired form,configuration and construction. In this example, the panels 10 arerectangular, but could be formed in any other desired shape, such astriangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc.,or a hybrid variation thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 , each illustratedpanel 10 includes respective top and bottom faces 16, 18, front and rearends 20, 22 (also referred to herein as front and rear “edges”) and leftand right side edges 24, 26. It should be noted that references to anydirection and directional modifiers herein are made as viewed whenlooking from the lower end 13 of the roof 12 toward the ridge 14. Thus,the front of the roof 12 is at its lower end 13 and the rear of the roof12 is at its ridge 14. The front of a component typically faces thelower end 13 of the roof 12 (and lower end 68 of the underlyingstructure 60) and rear of a component typically faces to the ridge 14 ofthe roof 12 (and upper end 64 of the underlying structure 60). The frontand rear edges 20, 22 of each exemplary panel 10 incorporate the frontand rear faces 30, 32 thereof, respectively, and the left and right sideedges 24, 26 incorporate the respective left and right side faces 34, 36of the panel 10. Finally, the top face 16 meets the front face 30 ofeach panel 10 at a transition 38 (e.g., a corner). As used throughoutthis patent, the term “top face” when referring to a panel 10, generallyincludes all external parts of the panel 10 that face or protrudeupwardly when the panel 10 is mounted to form the roof 12, except andonly to the extent as may be expressly specified otherwise. For example,a hypothetical panel 10 may include a pair of opposite-facing sheets ofmaterial mounted in a frame. In the context of this patent, the top face16 of such hypothetical panel would include those portions of the frameand the top sheet which face upwardly. Likewise, the “bottom face” of apanel 10 generally includes all external parts of the panel 10 that faceor protrude downwardly (when the panel 10 is mounted upon, or to form,the roof 12).

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3 , different types, shapes, forms andconfigurations of panels 10 may be used on the same structure. Forexample, some or all of the panels 10 could be solar panels 40 as is andbecome further known. In the present embodiment, all of the panels 10are rectangular, sealed, solar panels 40 (e.g., 3′ x 5′). Eachillustrated solar panel 40 includes a frame 41 (e.g., anodized aluminum)extending therearound and one or more photovoltaic portions 48 (e.g.,including glass or other transparent or translucent) forreceiving/processing sunlight. The top face 16 of the exemplary solarpanel 40 thus includes part of the frame 41 and one or more photovoltaicportions 48. Some other examples of panels 10 are decorative panels,aluminum panels, roof panels, fiber-cement panels, glass panels,fiberglass panels, chrome, foam-core panels, wood panels or anycombination thereof. However, the type, shape, configuration,construction and other details of the panels 10 are in no way limitingupon the present disclosure, appended claims and claims of any patentclaiming priority hereto, except and only to the extent as may beexpressly specified otherwise, such as in a particular claim and onlyfor such claim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , an exemplary panel mounting system 50 isshown used for mounting multiple rows 42 of panels 10 onto an underlyingstructure 60 to form the roof 12 in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, two rows 42 ofpanels 10, a lower and an upper row 44, 46, are shown. Each illustratedrow of panels 10 includes five panels 10, however, any desired number ofrows 42 (e.g., one, three, four, five or more) may include any desiredquantity of panels 10 (e.g., one, two, three, four, six or more). Thus,the number of panels 10 on each row 42 and the number of rows 42 is notlimiting upon the present disclosure, appended claims and claims of anypatent claiming priority hereto, except and only to the extent as may beexpressly specified otherwise. In various embodiments, at least some ofthe panels 10 will be carried on or secured to, abut or engage the panelmounting system 50 at one or more joints, or interfaces, 56.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 & 2 , the underlying structure 60 may have anydesired form, configuration, construction and use. It may include afinished or unfinished roof, wall and/or other structures. In theappended figures, parts of the (e.g., galvanized steel) sub-frame 76 andtrim 78 of the underlying structure 60 are shown. The illustratedunderlying structure 60 has upper and lower ends 64, 68 and left andright sides 72, 74. The upper end 64 of the exemplary underlyingstructure 60 is higher than the lower end 68 so that the roof 12 canextend angularly downwardly at least partially therebetween. In thisexample, the underlying structure 60 is a car port 62, but could takeany other form (e.g., garage, gazebo, building, interior wall or otherstructure, vehicle, trailer, hill, stand-alone structure). The exemplarypanel mounting system 50 is shown used to mount panels 10 on one side ofthe car port 62, but could, of course, be used to provide panels 10 onboth sides or any portions thereof. As with the panels 10 and roof 12,the underlying structure 60 is in no way limiting upon the presentdisclosure, appended claims and claims of any patent claiming priorityhereto, except and only to the extent as may be expressly specifiedotherwise, such as in a particular claim and only for such claim(s) andclaim(s) depending therefrom.

The exemplary panel mounting system 50 may have any suitable form,components, configuration and operation in order to support the panels10. For example, the system 50 may include a panel support framework 80(e.g., FIG. 4 ) configured to be mounted upon the underlying structure60 and support the panels 10 so that the roof 12 formed thereby willextend angularly downwardly at least partially between the upper andlower ends 64, 68 of the underlying structure 60. In this embodiment,the first panel row 44 is secured to the panel support framework 80closest to the lower end 68 thereof and extending angularly upwardlytherefrom over part of the panel support framework 80 (and underlyingstructure 60). The illustrated second panel row 46 is secured to thepanel support framework 80 between the first panel row 44 and the upperend 64 of the underlying structure 60 and extends angularly upwardlytoward the upper end 64. However, in some embodiments, the panelmounting system 50 may not include a panel support framework 80, butinstead use different components or arrangements of parts to support thepanels 10 and/or for any other desired purpose(s).

Referring now to FIGS. 1 & 5 , the exemplary panel mounting system 50may also position at least some of the panels 10 in a stepped, orvertically-offset, fashion relative to one another and/or position atleast some of the panels 10 in an at least partially non-overlappingfashion relative to one another. As used there, the terms “offset”(e.g., vertically, upwardly, downwardly), “stepped” and variationsthereof mean at least one referenced item is placed out of lineheightwise (vertically), or extends at least partially in a differentlongitudinal plane, as compared to at least one other referenced item.And the terms “overlapping” and variations thereof mean at least onereferenced item at least partially covers, rests upon or extends over oracross at least part of at least one other referenced item. Accordingly,some embodiments may position (some or all) panels 10 in only anon-overlapping fashion, while other embodiments may position panels 10in only a stepped fashion. Yet other embodiments may position at leastsome panels 10 in a non-overlapping fashion and at least some panels ina stepped fashion. In the present embodiment, the panel supportframework 80 positions all the panels 10 so that each respective row 42of panels is offset vertically relative to the adjacent rows 42 and noneof the panels 10 overlap one another.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 & 5 , if desired, the panel mounting system50 may position panels 10 without (e.g., more than minimally)obstructing or covering the top face 16, front face 30 or transition 38(or a combination thereof) of one or more panels 10 along (at leastsubstantially) the entire front end 20 thereof. For example, the topface 16, front face 30 and transition 38 of each panel 10 may beunobstructed. In the present embodiment, the panel mounting system 50positions the solar panels 40 so that none of the panels 10 covers, oroverlaps, the photovoltaic portion(s) 48 of any of the solar panels 40and substantially the entire top face 16, transition 38 and front face30 of each panel 40 is exposed. The illustrated panel support framework80 is configured to position the panels 10 so that each successive row42 of panels 10 is vertically offset relative to its adjacent rows 42 ofpanel 10, and so that all the panels 10 do not overlap one another. Forexample, the adjacent panels 10 on each row 42 may be positionedside-by-side and each panel 10 on each lower row 42 (e.g., the first row44) may be spaced apart from, and offset downwardly, relative to eachpanel 10 on the adjacent higher row 42 (e.g., second row 46). Anydesired number panels 10 on any desired number of rows 42 could besimilarly positioned in succession across the desired area to becovered.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 & 5 , the system 50 may be configured toallow liquid to flow (e.g., arrows 82) from the top face 16 of panel(s)10 on a higher panel row 42 (e.g., the second panel row 46), down overthe front end, or edge, 20 thereof, (e.g., down a vertical and/or angleddrop), onto the top face 16 of one or more panel(s) 10 on the next lowerrow 42 (e.g., first panel row 44) and ultimately off the roof 12. Itshould be noted, the flow path 82 may pass over other structure(s)and/or substances, such as one or more seals, the top face 91 of theintermediate horizontal member 84, etc. As used throughout this patent,the terms “liquid” and variations thereof mean and include rainwater,dew, snow and ice melt, ocean spray, moisture, any other liquid or anycombination of liquids, solids and gasses.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8 , at least some of the interfaces 56 (e.g.,interfaces 174, 184, 202) may be sealed to form a substantially, orentirely, leakproof roof 12. For example, one or more liquid-tight seals168 may be provided between the panels 10 and the panel mounting system50 (e.g., the panel support framework 80) to prevent the leakage ofliquid through the roof 12. References herein to preventing “leakage”and providing a “leakproof” roof generally refer to preventing liquid toleak through the roof between the panels 10 and/or components of thesystem 50, but does not include sealing any panel itself to preventleakage through the panel 10. In the context of this patent, the terms“leakproof”, “weatherproof”, “sealed”, “water resistant”, “leakresistant” and “liquid resistant” are used synonymously to meanpreventing the passage of liquid therethrough.

Depending upon the embodiment and application of the system 50, one ormore of the aforementioned features may be provided to assist inallowing liquid to flow unimpeded down across the roof 12, providingliquid drainage paths that prevent or discourage liquid pooling upon theroof 12 or leakage through the roof, providing a substantially orcompletely leakproof roof 12, allowing unobstructed exposure ofsubstantially the entire top face 16 of all or some of the panels 10(e.g., to optimize the power-generating capacity of solar panels 40), ora combination thereof.

However, in some embodiments, the panel mounting system 50 may usedifferent components or arrangements of parts (e.g., instead of or inaddition to the panel support framework 80) to assist in supporting thepanels 10, arranging at least some of the panels 10 in a steppedconfiguration, at least partially non-overlapping fashion or without(e.g., more than minimally) obstructing or covering the top face 16,front face 30 or transition 38 of one or more panels 10 or a combinationthereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 & 4 , when included, the panel supportframework 80 may have any suitable form, components, configuration andoperation. In many embodiments, the panel support framework 80 includesat least two horizontally-oriented support beams 84 (also referred to ashorizontal beams) and at least two angularly-oriented support beams 100(also referred to as vertical beams) configured to assist in supportingand positioning the panels 10 as desired to form the roof 12. However,the beams 84, 100 may be used for one or more different or additionalpurposes and the panel support framework 80 may include any different oradditional configuration of support beams (e.g., diagonal beams) orother structures (e.g., flanges, sheets) to support the panels 10.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6 , the horizontal beams 84, when included, mayhave any suitable or desired form, construction, shape, configuration,operation and location to assist in supporting the panels 10. In someembodiments, the horizontal beams 84 are hollow aluminum tubes having arectangular cross-section, but could have any desired construction(e.g., wood, steel, PVC, plastic, titanium, etc.), configuration (e.g.,solid, hollow or open) and cross-sectional shape (e.g., U-shaped,circular, oval, square, triangular). Each exemplary horizontal beam 84includes top and bottom faces 91, 92 and front and rear faces 88, 90 andis positionable in the framework 80 to extend lengthwise over part ofthe underlying structure 60 at least partially between the left andright sides 72, 74 thereof. For example, the horizontal beams 84 may bespaced apart in succession at different heights across the area to becovered by panels 10. In this embodiment, three spaced-apart horizonalbeams 84 are included, each extending across the entire width of thearea to be covered by panels 10; in this instance essentially over theentire underlying structure 60. For example, a first horizontal beam 84a may be closest to the lower end 68 of the underlying structure 60, athird horizontal beam 84 c closest to the upper end 64 of the underlyingstructure 60 and a second intermediate horizontal beam 84 b situatedtherebetween. However, the framework 80 may include only one, or morethan two (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.), horizontal beam 84.

Furthermore, any other arrangement of horizontal beams 84 may be used.For example, multiple sections of horizontal beam 84 may be used thesame height. In other words, the horizontal beam 84 at any level may notbe a single integral beam, but include numerous components. For anotherexample, any of the horizontal beams 84 may not extend across the entirewidth of the underlying structure 60, but extend to any desired lesserextent. For still a further example, the horizontal beams 84 atdifferent levels may be interconnected (e.g., by weld) or formed as asingle integral component (e.g., a grid). Thus, the terms “horizontalbeam”, “horizontally-oriented support beam” and variations thereofincludes one or multiple components that extend lengthwise over anydesired portion(s) of the underlying structure 60 at any desired heightof the underlying structure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 & 7 , the vertical beams 100, when included, maylikewise have any suitable or desired form, construction, shape,configuration, operation and location to assist in supporting the panels10. In some embodiments, the vertical beams 100 may be hollow aluminumtubes having a square cross-sectional shape, but could have any desiredconstruction (e.g., wood, steel, PVC, plastic, titanium, etc.),configuration (e.g., solid, hollow or open) and cross-sectional shape(e.g., U-shaped (e.g., FIG. 2 ), circular, oval, square, triangular).Each exemplary vertical beam 100 include at least one top face 102 andfront and rear ends 106, 108 and is positionable in the framework 80 toextend between a pair of adjacent horizontal beams 84 (or otherstructure(s)/components(s)) and thus be angularly-situated across partof the height of the underlying structure 60 between its upper and lowerends 64, 68 For example, at least two vertical beams 100 may be spacedapart from one another in succession between each respective adjacentpair of horizontal beams 84 across the area to be covered by the panels10. In this embodiment, first (lower) and second (higher) rows 112, 114of six spaced-apart vertical beams 100 (e.g., FIG. 1 ) are shownextending between the first and second horizontal beams 84 a, 84 b andsecond and third horizontal beams 84 b, 84 c, respectively, but anyother desired configuration of fewer or more vertical beams 100 (e.g.,1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, etc.) on fewer or more rows 110 (e.g., 1, 3, 4, 6,etc.) may be provided.

However, any other arrangement of any desired number of vertical beams100 may be used. For example, multiple sections of vertical beams 100may be used at each location. In other words, the vertical beam 100 atany location may not be a single integral beam, but include numerouscomponents. For another example, any of the vertical beams 100 may notextend across the entire span between adjacent horizontal beams 84, butextend to any desired lesser extent. For still a further example, thevertical beams 100 on the same row and/or on different rows may beinterconnected, or formed as a single integral component. In fact, insome embodiments, multiple of the horizontal and vertical beams 84, 100may be interconnected (e.g., by weld, mating connection, tab/slotconnection, Lego connection) or formed of a single integral component(e.g., molded grid). Thus, the terms “vertical beam”,“angularly-oriented support beam” and variations thereof includes one ormultiple components that extend over any desired portion(s) of theunderlying structure 60 at least partially between two or morehorizontal beams 84 or other structures/components.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , the horizontal and vertical beams 84, 100 canbe used to assist in supporting and positioning the panels 10 to formthe roof 12 in any suitable manner. For example, the horizontal and/orvertical beams 84, 100 may rest upon and/or be coupled to the underlyingstructure 60. In the present embodiment, each horizontal beam 84 restsupon and is coupled to the sub-frame 76 of the underlying structure 60.For example, the horizontal beams 84 may be coupled to the underlyingstructure 60 with couplers 94. The illustrated coupler 94 is a Z-shapedbracket 98 that is releasably connectable (e.g., by screw, nut, pin,etc.) to a horizontal beam 84 at one end and the sub-frame 76 at theother end. However, the couplers 94 may be used at any other desiredlocations and have any other form (e.g., clamp, clip, bolt),configuration, operations and construction. In some embodiments, thecouplers 94 may be integral to the horizontal beams 84, underlyingstructure 60 or other component. Moreover, in various embodiments,couplers 94 may not be used. Thus, the inclusion and type of couplers 94is not limiting upon the present disclosure, appended claims and claimsof any patent claiming priority hereto, except and only to the extent asmay be expressly specified otherwise, such as in a particular claim andonly for such claim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom. Further, insome embodiments, the horizontal beams 84 may not rest upon and/or becoupled to the underlying structure 60. In some embodiments, thevertical beams 100 (or other components) may rest upon and/or be coupledto the underlying structure 60, or both the horizontal and verticalbeams 84, 100 may rest upon and/or be coupled to the underlyingstructure 60.

In order to carry or support the panels 10 in the panel mounting system50, any suitable techniques and components may be used. For example,referring back to FIGS. 4 & 7 , each horizontal and/or vertical beam 84,100 may include one or more panel mounting surfaces 104 upon which oneor more panel 10 may rest. In various embodiments, each vertical beam100 includes at least one panel mounting surface 104 on its top face 102for seating at least part of at least one panel 10. In the illustratedexample, the panel mounting surface(s) 104 a, 104 b of the vertical beam100 extends along substantially the entire length of the beam 100 andcan seat the right side edge 26 of one panel 10 and the left side edge24 of the adjacent panel 10, respectively, along (e.g., at leastsubstantially) the entire length of the panels 10. In this particularconfiguration (e.g., FIGS. 1 & 6 ), the panels 10 of the first panel row44 can be supported side-by-side on the first row 112 of vertical beams100 and the panels 10 of the second panel row 46 can be supportedside-by-side on the second row 114 of vertical beams 100, with the rearend 22 of each panel 10 on the first panel row 44 positioned proximateto the front end 20 of at least one panel 10 on the second panel row 46.As used throughout this patent, the terms “side-by-side” and variationsthereof means the referenced items are generally oriented in the sameway next to each other and can be abutting or spaced-apart, but notoverlapping. The terms “abutting”, “resting upon” and variations thereofmean and include one or more referenced item directly contacting one ormore other referenced item, or having one or more seals (or otheraccessories) at least partially disposed, extending or sandwichedtherebetween. Additional rows 42 of panels 10 could be similarlysupported on additional rows 110 of vertical beams 100. However, anyother suitable techniques and components may be used to carry or supportthe panels 10.

If desired, the adjacent horizontal and vertical beams 84, 100 may becoupled together. Referring specifically to FIG. 6 , in the presentembodiment, each vertical beam 100 is releasably connected at itsrespective front and rear ends 106, 108 to the adjacent horizontal beams84, such as with a connector 116. Thus, each illustrated horizontal beam84 positioned between rows 110 of vertical beams 100 (also referred toherein as an intermediate horizontal beam 84) essentially serves as ajunction 86 for adjacent rows 110 vertical beams 100 (and thus adjacentrows 42 of panels 10). For example, the connector 116 may include aconnecting block 118 (e.g., U-shaped, or L-shaped, angle iron orbracket) releasably coupled (e.g., by one or more mounting screw, bolt,etc.) between each pair of adjacent beams 84, 100. However, theconnectors 116 may have any other desirable form (e.g., clamp, clip,bolt, mateable connection, tab/slot connection, Lego-type connection),configuration, operation and construction. In some embodiments, forexample, the connectors 116 may be integral to the horizontal and/orvertical beams 84, 100. Moreover, in various embodiments, connectors 116may not be used. Thus, the inclusion and type of connectors 116 is notlimiting upon the present disclosure, appended claims and claims of anypatent claiming priority hereto, except and only to the extent as may beexpressly specified otherwise, such as in a particular claim and onlyfor such claim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 & 6 , if the panel mounting system 50 (e.g.,the panel support framework 80) is used to assist in establishing avertically-offset arrangement of the successive rows 42 of panels 10,any suitable techniques and components may be used. In some embodiments,the horizontal and/or vertical beams 84, 100 of various embodiments maybe arranged to establish the vertically-offset arrangement. For example,one or more of the beams 84 and/or 100 that establish the height of eachrow 42 of panels 10 on the roof 12 can be arranged in a stepped fashion.In the present embodiment, since the panels 10 sit on the panel mountingsurface(s) 104 of the vertical beams 100, the height of the panels 10can be established by selectively positioning the vertical beams 100. Inthis example, each successive row 110 of vertical beams 100 isvertically offset relative to the adjacent vertical beam rows 110. Forexample, the second illustrated row 114 of vertical beams 100 is offsetupwardly relative to the first illustrated row 112, thus offsetting theheight of the respective panels 10 supported thereon.

When successive rows 110 of vertical beams 100 are vertically offsetrelative to one another, any suitable techniques and components may beused. In certain embodiments, the vertical beams 100 in each row 110 canextend in a different longitudinal plane 128 than the vertical beams 100in the adjacent row(s) 110. In the illustrated example, the verticalbeams 100 in the first row 112 are shown extending in (approximately, orat least substantially) the same “first” longitudinal plane 128 a, whilethe vertical beams 100 in the second row 114 are shown extending in(approximately, or at least substantially) the same “second”longitudinal plane 128 b, which is offset upwardly relative to the firstlongitudinal plane 128 a. Consequently, the second (upper) exemplarypanel row 46 will be offset upwardly relative to the first (lower) panelrow 44. If desired, additional rows 110 of vertical beams 100, and thuspanel rows 42, could be similarly positioned in a stepped fashion insuccession above and/or below the first and second rows 112, 114 ofvertical beams 100 (and panel rows 44, 46) across the desired area to becovered. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, all the verticalbeams 100 in the same row 112 may not be in the same longitudinal plane128 as long as each vertical beam 100 in a particular row 110 is offsetupwardly relative to the adjacent vertical beam(s) 100 on the next lowerrow 110 and downwardly relative to the adjacent vertical beam(s) 100 onthe next higher row 110. Thus, the present disclosure, appended claimsand claims of any patent claiming priority hereto are not limited tovertical beams 100 on a common row 110 extending in exactly the samelongitudinal plane 128, except and only to the extent as may beexpressly specified otherwise, such as in a particular claim and onlyfor such claim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom

When this feature is included, the vertical beams 100 on differentrespective rows 110 may be positioned in different longitudinal planes128 in any suitable manner. Referring still to FIGS. 1 & 6 , forexample, the front end 106 of each vertical beam 100 in a higher row 110may be positioned (e.g., secured) higher on, or relative to, theintermediate horizontal beam(s) 84 than the rear end 108 of verticalbeam(s) 100 on the adjacent lower row 110. In such embodiments, the useof the intermediate horizontal beams 84 as junctions 86 for verticalbeams 100 on separate rows 100 may aid in positioning panels 10 onadjacent rows 42 in a stepped fashion. In the present embodiment, atleast the intermediate horizontal beam 84 is oriented in an uprightposition (e.g., to provide sufficient height) to accommodate couplingthe front end 106 of each higher vertical beam 100 (e.g., of row 114)thereto at a height that is greater than the height that the rear end108 of each lower vertical beam 100 (e.g., of row 112) is coupledthereto (and also may assist in providing the desired overall pitch ofthe roof 12). If additional rows 110 of vertical beams 100 are included,those vertical beams 100 could be coupled at their ends 106, 108 to theassociated intermediate horizontal beams 84 in a similar manner.

If desired, the vertical beams 100 could be positioned relative, orcoupled, to the associated horizontal beams 84 so that (i) the mountingsurfaces 104 of each higher vertical beam 100 are essentially flush withthe top face 91 of the horizontal beam 84 (e.g., to ensure eachassociated panel 10 will be flat in the framework 80), (ii) the bottomface (lip, corner or edge) 122 of each lower vertical beam 100 isessentially flush with the bottom face 92 of the horizontal beam 84, or(iii) both. However, any other suitable techniques and components may beused to vertically offset the different rows 110 of vertical beams 100or otherwise vertically offset the different rows 42 of panels 10. Forexample, in some embodiments, the horizontal beams 84 may not bearranged in an upright orientation, one or more additional componentsmay be included or used to establish the vertically-offset relationshipof the panel rows 42, the vertical beams 100 may not be coupled to thehorizontal beams 84 or a combination thereof.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 & 6 , if the panel mounting system 50 (e.g.,the panel support framework 80) is used to assist in positioning atleast some of the panels 10 in a non-overlapping configuration, anysuitable techniques and components may be used. For example, adjacentpanels 10 on each respective row 42 and adjacent panels 10 on adjacentrows 42 (e.g., rows 44, 46) may be positioned side-by-side. In someembodiments, such as when intermediate horizontal beams 84 serve asjunctions 86 for vertical beams 100 on adjacent vertical beam rows 110,the vertical beams 100 may be positioned relative to the associatedhorizontal beams 84 to selectively position the panels 10 supportedthereby in a non-overlapping fashion. In other words, in suchembodiments, the use of the intermediate horizontal beams 84 asjunctions 86 for vertical beams 100 on separate rows 100 may aid inpositioning panels 10 on adjacent rows 42 in a non-overlapping fashion.

For example, each vertical beam 100 on a lower row 110 (e.g., first row112) may be situated so that the rear face 32 of each panel 10 carriedthereon at least partially abuts, or covers, at least part of the frontface 88 of the intermediate horizontal beam 84, and each adjacentvertical beam 100 on the next higher row 110 (e.g., second row 114) maybe situated so that the front end 20 of the panel(s) 10 carried thereonrests at least partially upon the top face 91 of the horizontal beam 84or the front face 30 of such panel(s) 10 abut, or cover, at least partof the rear face 90 of the horizontal beam 84. In such scenarios, aslong as the vertical beams 100 on the higher row 110 (e.g., second row114) do not extend beyond the front face 88 of the horizontal beam 84,the panels on those adjacent rows 110 (e.g., rows 112, 114) will notoverlap, or cover, one another. For example, the front end 20 of eachpanel 10 on the higher row 110 (e.g., second row 114) can be selectivelypositioned on the top face 91 of the horizontal beam 84 anywhere alongthe width W₂ thereof, but not extending over the front face 88 of thebeam 84 to prevent overlapping of the respective associated panels 10.In the present embodiment, the front edge 20 of each panel 10 carried onthe higher row 110 (e.g., second row 114) is positioned on the top face91, and spaced rearwardly of the front face 88, of the associatedhorizontal beam 84 and thus spaced away from, and not overlapping, theadjacent panel(s) 10 on the lower row 110 (e.g., first row 112).However, any other suitable technique(s) and components may be used toprovide a non-overlapping arrangement of panels 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 & 7 , in many embodiments, the panels 10 may besecured to, or carried by, the panel mounting system 50 in any suitablemanner and with any desired components. Generally, at least some of thepanels 10 are releasably secured to, or carried by, the exemplary system50 at at least one interface 56 in order to retain and position thepanels 10 as desired. In some embodiments, at least some of the panels10 may be securely, releasably coupled to the panel support framework 80without more than minimally obstructing or covering the top face 16and/or transition 38 thereof. This may be beneficial to allow much orall of the top face 16 of the panels 10 (e.g., solar panels 40) to besubstantially or entirely exposed, minimally block the flow of liquiddown across the panels 10, for any other purpose(s) or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the panels 10 may be secured to theframework 80 from underneath one or more of the panels 10 or betweenadjacent panels 10, thus minimally covering or obstructing the top face16 and/or transition 38 of at least some of the panels 10. For example,panels 10 may be friction-fit to the framework 80, snapped or slid intopanel receivers on the framework 80, coupled with mateable connectors,clips, brackets or other components at least partially below or besideone or more panels 10.

Referring to FIGS. 7 & 8 , in various embodiments, one or more panels 10may be secured to the framework 80 along at least part of one of theside edges 24, 26 thereof to cover or obstruct only a small portion, ifany, of the top face 16 and/or transition 38 thereof. For example, thepanels 10 may be secured to the framework 80 with the use of a pluralityof releasable clamps 132. To securely, releasably couple the panels 10to the panel support framework 80, the clamps 132, when included, mayengage the panels 10 and/or panel support framework 80 in any suitablemanner. For example, each clamp 132 may extend over at least one panel10 along at least part of one of the side edges 24, 26 thereof andengage the panel support framework 80 to cover, or obstructs, only asmall portion (if any) of the top face 16 and transition 38 of eachpanel 10. In the present embodiment, adjacent panels 10 in the same row42 are secured to the framework 80 with a single (elongated) clamp 132extending over their adjacent side edges 24, 26 along substantially theentire length Li (e.g., FIGS. 1 & 3 ) of the panels 10. The illustratedclamp 132 extends minimally over the top face 16 (e.g., frame 41 ofpanel 10) and transition 38 (e.g., FIG. 5 ) of each panel 10 it engagesand clamps them to the framework 80. In other embodiments, the clamps132 may engage the panels 10 at any other location, cover more of thetop face and/or transition 38 of one or more panels 10 or be integral tothe panel support framework 80, multiple clamps 132 may be used alongthe length Li of the panels 10, different type of clamps 132 may be usedat different locations or a combination thereof.

When included, the clamps 132 may have any suitable form, configuration,construction and operation to secure the panels 10 to the framework 80as desired. Referring to FIGS. 7 & 9 , in the present embodiment, eachclamp 132 includes at least one pressure plate 140 configured to secureat least one panel 10 to the framework 80. The pressure plate 140 mayhave any suitable form configuration and operation. For example, thepressure plate 140 may include at least one panel engagement arm 144 toengage at least one panel 10 and at least one beam engagement portion146 to engage the panel support framework 80. In this embodiment, theclamps 132 each include a laterally-extending, left panel engagement arm144 a for engaging the right side edge 26 of a panel 10 on its left, anda laterally-extending, right panel engagement arm 144 b for engaging theleft side edge 24 of a panel 10 on its right. At least one beamengagement portion 146 is shown therebetween and releasably securable tothe adjacent vertical beam 100 that the respective panels 10 rest upon.However, the clamps 132 may have different component parts or take anyother form, such as clips, brackets, mateable portions, pins, ratchetmechanisms, etc. Accordingly, the nature of the clamps 132, if included,and any details thereof, are not limiting upon the present disclosure,appended claims and claims of any patent claiming priority hereto,except and only to the extent as may be expressly specified otherwise,such as in a particular claim and only for such claim(s) and claim(s)depending therefrom.

Still referring to FIGS. 7 & 9 , the exemplary beam engagement portion146 of the illustrated pressure plate 140 is releasably securable to thevertical beam 100, such as with connector(s) 142, and may be tighteneddown to secure the panels 10 to the framework 80 as desired. Theillustrated connectors 142 are a series of screws (e.g., pressurescrews) spaced apart as desired along the length of the pressure plate140. However, the connector(s) 142 could take any other form, such asmateable members, clips, pin, spring-biasing members, and the like. Inother embodiments, the panels 10 may be coupled to the horizontal beams84 or other components, and/or connectors 142 may not be necessary ormay be integral to the clamps 132 and/or support framework 80. Thus, thenature of the connectors 142 if included, and any details thereof, arenot limiting upon the present disclosure, appended claims and claims ofany patent claiming priority hereto, except and only to the extent asmay be expressly specified otherwise, such as in a particular claim andonly for such claim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom. In thisembodiment, as the clamp 132 is tightened down onto the vertical beam100, compressive force is applied by the panel engagement arm(s) 144upon each panel 10 engaged thereby to secure it in position. Forexample, the exemplary clamp 132 may apply the same, or a sufficientlysimilar, amount of pressure to each such panel 10, such as to keep thepanels 10 and roof 12 properly aligned as desired, and/or for any otherpurpose(s). However, some embodiments may not require such level of (orany) clamping precision.

Still referring to FIGS. 7 & 9 , the clamps 132 may be releasablycoupled to any desired part of at least one vertical beam 100. In someembodiments, each pressure plate 140 is releasably coupled to one ormore attachment tabs 160 protruding upwardly from the vertical beam 100.The attachment tab(s) 160, when included, may have any suitable form,configuration, operation and construction. In the present embodiment, anelongated attachment tab 160 extends upwardly from the vertical beam 100between the left and right panel mounting surfaces 104 a, 104 b alongsubstantially the entire length of the vertical beam 100. The exemplaryattachment tab 160 is integral to the vertical beam 100 and has anapproximate height H₃ that is less than the height H₁ of the panels 10.In other embodiments, however, one or multiple attachment tabs 160, ifincluded, may extend up from the vertical beam 100 to a different heightat any desired location and or be coupled thereto (e.g., by weld,bracket, bolt, pin, mateable engagement, etc.).

Referring specifically to FIGS. 9 & 10 , for panels 10 on the far leftand right sides 15 a, 15 b of the roof 12 (e.g., FIG. 1 ), the sameversion of exemplary clamp 132 can, in some embodiments, be used. Ifdesired, a spacer 138 may be placed under the panel engagement arm 144lacking a panel 10 beneath it, such as to fill the space between thepressure plate 140 and the vertical beam 100, assist in ensuring theproper pressure is transferred to the adjacent panel 10 or maintainpressure balance with the panel 10, for any other desired purpose(s) ora combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 138 isan elongated hollow, L-shaped, extrusion, or beam, having a height H₂that is the at least approximately equal to the height H₁ of the panel10. However, the spacer 138, when included, may have any other suitableform, construction, configuration and operation. Thus, the nature of thespacer 138, and any details thereof, are not limiting upon the presentdisclosure, appended claims and claims of any patent claiming priorityhereto, except and only to the extent as may be expressly specifiedotherwise, such as in a particular claim and only for such claim(s) andclaim(s) depending therefrom. In other embodiments, a version of theclamp 132 not having both left and right panel engagement arms 144 a,144 b, or any other components and techniques may be used to secure thepanels 10 to the panel support framework 80 at the far left and rightsides 15 a, 15 b of the roof 12.

Still referring to FIGS. 9 & 10 , if desired, all, or part of, the clamp132 may be covered, such as to help protect or preserve the clamp 132and related components and/or prevent the entry of liquid thereupon, toassist in directing the flow of liquid across the roof 12 as desired,for aesthetic or any other purpose(s) or a combination thereof. In suchinstances, the clamp 132 may be covered in any suitable manner and withany suitable components. For example, each clamp 132 may be covered withone or more caps 156 having any suitable form, configuration,orientation and operation. In the present embodiment, the cap 156 is anelongated, partial-rectangular shaped cover 158 (e.g., an aluminum trimcap) that extends over the length of, and snaps into and out ofengagement with, the pressure plate 140, hiding the clamp 132 from viewand assist in giving the roof 12 a finished outer appearance. However,the cap 156 may have a different shape and/or construction, includemultiple sections, engage the pressure plate 140 or other component(s)in a different manner (e.g., sliding engagement, pins, screws, etc.), ora combination thereof. Thus, the type, shape, configuration,construction, orientation and other details of the cap 156, if included,are in no way limiting upon the present disclosure, appended claims andclaims of any patent claiming priority hereto, except and only to theextent as may be expressly specified otherwise, such as in a particularclaim and only for such claim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom.

Referring again to FIGS. 5-7 , in another aspect of the presentdisclosure, if desired, the panel mounting system 50 may include aweather resistant barrier system 166, such as to assist in preventingthe leakage of liquid through the roof 12, form a substantially, orentirely, leakproof roof 12 and/or for any other desired purpose(s). Theweather resistant barrier system 166 may help make the roof 12substantially or entirely leakproof in any suitable manner and with anydesired components. For example, the weather resistant barrier system166 may provide seals 168 at, or proximate to, one or more interfaces 56between at least some of the panels 10 and the system 50 to prevent theleakage of liquid through the roof 12, form a substantially, orentirely, leakproof roof 12 and/or for any other desired purpose(s). Inthe present embodiment, at least two seals 168 are provided at, orproximate to, each interface 56, such as to ensure little or no leakagethrough the roof 12. However, in various other embodiment that includeseals 168, only one, or more than two, seals 168 may be provided at oneor more interfaces 56.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 & 9 , in some embodiments, the weatherresistant barrier system 166 may provide at least one seal 168 at, orproximate to, a first interface 174 where a panel 10 abuts, engages, oris otherwise proximate to one or more vertical beams 100. For example,at least a first seal 170 may be provided between each clamp 132 andeach panel 10 it engages, such as to help prevent liquid leakagetherebetween. When included, the first seal 170 may have any suitableform, configuration, orientation and operation. In the presentembodiment, the first seal 170 includes at least one elongated rubberseal 172 (e.g., custom-cut neoprene gasket) extending along at leastpart of the length of the pressure plate 140 between one of theengagement arms 144 a, 144 b of the clamp 132 and the top face 16 of theassociated panel 10 along one of the side edges 24, 26 thereof. Incertain scenarios, it may be desirable to configure the first seal 170to minimize the extent to which it extends across the top face 16 of thepanel 10. For example, when the panel 10 is a solar panel 40, it may bepreferred to limit the extent, if any, the seal 170 extends over thephotovoltaic portion 48 thereof.

Each illustrated elongated rubber seal 172 includes an elongatedprotrusion 175 insertable or pressed into, or engageable with, anelongated groove 152 in the pressure plate 140 and a hollow portion 176(e.g., FIG. 11 ) that is collapsible under pressure against theassociated panel 10 to sealingly engage the panel 10. In the presentembodiment, a separate elongated rubber seal 172 extends along thelength of each respective engagement arm 144 a, 144 b of each clamp 132.However, the present disclosure and appended claims are not limited tothat specific type of seal 172. As the exemplary clamp 132 is tighteneddown, each associated first seal 170 is compressed between the clamp 130and associated panel 10 to form a seal with the panel 10. On the farleft and right sides 15 a, 15 b of the illustrated roof 12, one of theseals 170 is shown engaging the spacer 138 (when included), but suchsealing at that location is not necessary in this particular embodiment.

However, the first seal 170 may have any other form, configuration,construction and operation and be arranged in any other suitable manner.For example, the first seal 170 may not include any elongatedprotrusions 175 and/or a hollow portion 176, may not extend along thelength of the clamp 132 or panel 19, may include liquid or semi-liquid(e.g., silicone caulk) sealant or other weatherproofing, foam tape,rubber door seals, multiple components, may be applied to the panel 10,both the panel 10 and clamp 132 or other components, or a combinationthereof. Thus, the type, shape, configuration, construction, orientationand other details of the first seal 170 are in no way limiting upon thepresent disclosure, appended claims and claims of any patent claimingpriority hereto, except and only to the extent as may be expresslyspecified otherwise, such as in a particular claim and only for suchclaim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9 , instead of, or in addition to, the first seal170, the weather resistant barrier system 166 may provide a second seal178 at, or proximate to, the interface 174. The second seal 178 may haveany suitable form, configuration, orientation and operation. In manyembodiments, the second seal 178 is disposed between each panel 10 andeach vertical beam 100 it rests upon. For example, the second seal 178may be sandwiched between the bottom face 18 of the panel 10 and the topface 102 (e.g., the panel mounting surface 104) of the associatedvertical beam 100. In the present embodiment, each second seal 178includes one or more seal strips 180 extending along the length of oneof the panel mounting surfaces 104. If desired, for example, the sealstrip 180 may be formed of one or more beds of hardened liquid, orsemi-liquid, sealant (e.g., silicone caulk or other weatherproofing)applied to the subject surface(s) of the panel 10 and/or the associatedvertical beam 100. For example, the panel 10 may be effectively embeddedin the seal strip 180. In some applications, a continuous (e.g.,approximately ½″ wide), bead of sealant may be laid down (e.g., from atube) across the bottom face 18 of the panel 10 along its respectiveleft or right side edge 24, 26 before laying the panel 10 onto thevertical beam 100 and which will, upon compressing them together, spreadout (e.g., to approximately ¾″) to harden and form the bed of sealant(seal strip 180) that substantially, or entirely, covers the undersideof that portion of the panel 10 resting upon the vertical beam 100.

However, the second seal 178, when included, may have any other suitableform, configuration, construction, orientation and operation and bearranged in any suitable manner. For example, the second seal 178 mayinclude one or more sections, or strips, of double-stick foam tape,rubber gasket seals, rubber door seals and/or a combination of multipledifferent types of seals. For another example, the second seal 178 mayalso, or instead, be sandwiched or extend between the panel 10 and aside of the associated attachment tab 160 or other surface of thevertical beam 100 or other component. Thus, the type, shape,configuration, construction, orientation and other details of the secondseal 178 are in no way limiting upon the present disclosure, appendedclaims and claims of any patent claiming priority hereto, except andonly to the extent as may be expressly specified otherwise, such as in aparticular claim and only for such claim(s) and claim(s) dependingtherefrom.

In embodiments including multiple seals 168 (e.g., both first and secondseals 170, 178) at the first interface 174 (between a panel 10 andvertical beam 100), the second seal (e.g., seal 178) can serve as abackup to the first seal (e.g., seal 170). For example, if liquidpenetrates through the first seal 170, the second seal 178 can preventliquid entry to the first interface 174 and through the roof 12. Thus,this is an example of two layers of sealing protection at each interface174 between a panel 10 and a vertical beam 100.

Referring specifically to FIG. 8 , in various embodiments, if there onlya second seal 178 at the first interface 174, or liquid penetrates thefirst seal 170 or clamp 132 (e.g., at connectors 142), the liquid candrain through one or more continuous weep channels 109 of thecorresponding vertical member 100 and down across the exterior of theroof 12 (e.g., along flow path 83, FIG. 5 ). In this embodiment, theweep channel 109 is the (non-perforated) top face 102 of the verticalbeam 100, but could have any other form and configuration. In instancesincluding one or more weep channels 109 or other flow paths on theoutside of the roof 12 proximate to the first interface 174, the secondseal 178 may sufficiently leakproof the first interface 174.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , in many embodiments, the weather resistantbarrier system 166 may provide at least one seal 168 at, or proximateto, a second interface 184, where the rear end 22 of a panel 10 abuts,engages, or is otherwise proximate to one or more horizontal beams 84.For example, in some embodiments, at least a third seal 186 may beprovided between the rear face 32 of each such panel 10 and the frontface 88 of the horizontal beam 84 it abuts, such as to help prevent theleakage of liquid therebetween. The third seal 186 may have any suitableform, configuration, orientation and operation. For example, the thirdseal 186 may include one or more seal strips 188 extending at leastpartially along the rear face 32 (e.g., the width W₁, FIG. 3 ) of thesubject panel 10. In the present embodiment, the seal strip 188 includesone or more sections, or strips, of double-stick foam, other sealing,tape applied to substantially the entire rear face 32 of the panel 10,or the corresponding portion(s) of the front face 88 of the horizontalbeam 84, and which will be sandwiched and compressed therebetween uponsecuring the panel 10 to the panel support framework 80. In someinstances, the sealing tape may be able to give, or flex, duringassembly of the roof 12, allowing the corresponding panel 10 to shift asit is being secured the framework 80 without jeopardizing a liquid-tightseal at the second interface 184.

However, the third seal 186, when included, may have any other suitableform, configuration, construction, orientation and operation and bearranged in any suitable manner. For example, the seal strip(s) 188 mayinclude one or more sections, or strips, of rubber gasket seals, rubberdoor seals, one or more beds of hardened liquid, or semi-liquid, sealant(e.g., silicone caulk or other weatherproofing) applied to the subjectsurface(s) of the panel 10 and/or the associated horizontal beam 84 or acombination of multiple different types of seals. For another example,the third seal 186 may also, or instead, be sandwiched or extend betweenthe panel 10 and a different surface of the corresponding horizontalbeam 84 or other component(s). Thus, the type, shape, configuration,construction, orientation and other details of the third seal 186 are inno way limiting upon the present disclosure, appended claims and claimsof any patent claiming priority hereto, except and only to the extent asmay be expressly specified otherwise, such as in a particular claim andonly for such claim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, the second interface184 may include one or more seams 190 formed between the rear end 22 ofa panel 10 and one or more horizontal beams 84. In such instances, theweather resistant barrier system 166 may provide at least one seal 168along or proximate to one or more seams 190, such as to help prevent theleakage of liquid therethrough. For example, the weather resistantbarrier system 166 may provide at least a fourth and/or fifth seal 194,197 at, along or proximate to each seam 190.

The fourth seal 194 may have any suitable form, configuration,orientation and operation. For example, the fourth seal 194 may includeat least one cap bead seal 196 laid down atop a seam 190 along its'slength. If desired, the cap bead seal 196 may be formed of a bead ofhardened liquid, or semi-liquid, sealant (e.g., silicone caulk or otherweatherproofing) applied over the seam 190. In some applications, forexample, a continuous, approximately ½″ wide, bead of the sealant may belaid down across each seam 190 and secured thereto, spread, smoothedand/or shaped as desired (e.g., with an instrument or installer'sfinger) to form a desired (e.g., concave) slope or other path 82 (seee.g., path 82, FIG. 5 ) for liquid to flow over the panels 10, ensurethe fourth seal 194 covers and seals the entire seam 190, for any otherpurpose(s) or a combination thereof.

However, the fourth seal 194, when included, may have any other suitableform, configuration, construction, orientation and operation andarranged in any suitable manner. For example, the fourth seal 194 mayinclude one or more sections, or strips, of foam tape, rubber gasketseals, rubber door seals and/or a combination of multiple differenttypes of seals. Thus, the type, shape, configuration, construction,orientation and other details of the fourth seal 194 are in no waylimiting upon the present disclosure, appended claims and claims of anypatent claiming priority hereto, except and only to the extent as may beexpressly specified otherwise, such as in a particular claim and onlyfor such claim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom.

Referring still to FIG. 12 , when included, the fifth seal 197 may haveany suitable form, configuration, orientation and operation. Forexample, the fifth seal 197 may include at least one section, or strip,of flashing 198 extending over one or more seams 190 to help directliquid away from, and prevent the passage of liquid, into the seam(s)190, for any other purpose(s) or a combination thereof. In manyembodiments, the flashing 198 may include any desired commerciallyavailable or custom-manufactured roof, or other, flashing or othersuitable (e.g., impervious) material. In this instance, one or morestrips of flashing 198 are secured to the horizontal beam(s) 84 toextend outwardly over the top face 16 of each adjacent panel 10 on thenext lower panel row 42 sufficient to cover and direct liquid away fromthe seam(s) 190.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , in some applications, such as when thepanel 10 is a solar panel 40, it may be desirable to extend the flashing198 only a minimal effective distance over the top face 16 of the panel10, such as to minimize blocking or covering the top face 16 (e.g., suchas the photovoltaic portion(s) 48). In the present embodiment (e.g.,FIG. 6 ), one or more strips of flashing 198 may be sandwiched betweenthe top face 91 of the horizontal beam 84 and a sixth seal 204 (e.g., asdescribed below), or the bottom face 18 of the adjacent higher panel 10,and extend beyond the front face 88 of the horizontal beam 84 and overthe lower panel 10 by approximately ½-¾ inches. On a particular row 42of panels 10, the flashing 198 or other fifth seal 197 may, for example,also extend over the clamps 132 (and cap 156, if included) betweenadjacent panels 10, in which case a single strip of flashing 198 can beused for an entire row of panels 10 and clamps 132, if desired.

However, the fifth seal 197, when included, may have any other suitableform, configuration, construction, orientation and operation andarranged in any suitable manner. For example, the fifth seal 197 mayinclude one or more sections, or strips, of rubber gasket seals, rubberdoor seals and/or a combination of multiple different types of seals.Thus, the type, shape, configuration, construction, orientation andother details of the fifth seal 197 are in no way limiting upon thepresent disclosure, appended claims and claims of any patent claimingpriority hereto, except and only to the extent as may be expresslyspecified otherwise, such as in a particular claim and only for suchclaim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom.

In many embodiments, the use of any combination of multiple seals 168(e.g., third, fourth and fifth seals 186, 194, 197) at the secondinterface 184 can provide multiple layers of sealing protection wherethe rear end 22 of a panel 10 abuts, engages, or is otherwise proximateto one or more horizontal beams 84. For example, in the absence orfailure of a fourth and/or fifth seal 194, 197, the third seal 186 mayalone seal the second interface 184. The use of all three seals 186,194, 197 is an example of three layers of sealing protection at theinterface 184.

Referring back to FIG. 6 , in many embodiments, the weather resistantbarrier system 166 may provide at least one seal 168 at, or proximateto, a third interface 202, where the front end 20 of a panel 10 abuts,engages, rests upon or is otherwise proximate to one or more horizontalbeams 84. For example, at least a sixth seal 204 may be provided betweenthe front end 20 of each such panel 10 and the horizontal beam 84 tohelp prevent the leakage of liquid therebetween, including liquiddraining through any weep channel(s) 109 of the adjacent vertical member100 on the next higher panel row 42, and/or for any other desiredpurpose(s).

The sixth seal 204 may have any suitable form, configuration,orientation and operation. For example, the sixth seal 204 may includeone or more seal strips 205 extending at least partially along the frontend 20 (e.g., width W₁, FIG. 3 ) of the subject panel 10. If desired,for example, the seal strip 180 may be formed of one or more beds ofhardened liquid, or semi-liquid, sealant (e.g., silicone caulk or otherweatherproofing) applied to the subject surface(s) of panel 10 and/orthe associated horizontal beam 84. In the present embodiment, the sixthseal 204 is disposed between the panel 10 and each horizontal beam 84 itrests upon. For example, one or more seal strips 205 may extend alongthe width W₁ of the panel 10 and be sandwiched between the bottom face18 thereof and the top face 91 of the associated horizontal beam(s) 84.If desired, for example, the seal strip 205 may be formed of one or morebeds of hardened liquid, or semi-liquid, sealant (e.g., silicone caulkor other weatherproofing) applied to the subject surface(s) of the panel10 and/or the associated horizontal beam 84. For example, the panel 10may be effectively embedded in the seal strip 205. In some applications,a continuous (e.g., approximately ½″ wide), bead of sealant may be laiddown (e.g., from a tube) across the bottom face 18 of the panel 10 alongits front end 20 before laying the panel 10 onto the horizontal beam 84and which will, upon compressing them together, spread out (e.g., toapproximately ¾″) to harden and form the bed of sealant (seal strip 205)that substantially, or entirely, covers the underside of that portion ofthe panel 10 resting upon the horizontal beam 84.

However, the sixth seal 204, when included, may have any other suitableform, configuration, construction, orientation and operation andarranged in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the sixth seal 204may include one or more sections, or strips, of double-stick foam tape,rubber gasket seals, rubber door seals and/or multiple different seals.For example, a sixth seal 204 may also, or instead, be sandwiched orextend between the panel 10 and a different surface of the horizontalbeam 84 or other components. In various embodiments, the front end 20 ofthe panel 10 may not rest upon the horizontal beam 84, but instead abutthe rear face 90 thereof. In such instances, the sixth seal 204 mayinstead be sandwiched between the front face 30 of the panel 10 and therear face 90 of the horizontal beam 84. If desired, such sixth seal 204may have the same form and configuration as the exemplary third seal 186as described above or any other suitable form and configuration. Thus,the type, shape, configuration, construction, orientation and otherdetails of the sixth seal 204 are in no way limiting upon the presentdisclosure and appended claims, except and only to the extent as may beexpressly specified otherwise herein or in a particular claim hereof andonly for such instances, claim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom.

Still referring FIG. 6 , the third interface 202 may include one or moreseams 206 formed between the front end 20 of a panel 10 and one or morehorizontal beams 84. In the present embodiment, a seam 206 extendbetween the front face 30 of the panel 10 and the top face 91 of thehorizontal beam 84. However, in other embodiments, the seam(s) 206 mayextend against other surfaces, such has between the top face 16 of thepanel 10 and rear face 90 of the horizontal beam 84. The weatherresistant barrier system 166 may provide at least one seal 168 along orproximate to each seam 206, such as to help prevent the leakage ofliquid therethrough. For example, the weather resistant barrier system166 may provide at least a seventh seal 208 at, along or proximate toeach seam 206. The seventh seal 208 may have any suitable form,configuration, orientation and operation. In some embodiments, theseventh seal 208 may include at least one cap bead seal 210 laid downatop each seam 206 along its's length. If desired, the cap bead seal 210may be formed of a bead of hardened liquid, or semi-liquid, sealant(e.g., silicone caulk or other weatherproofing) applied over the seam206. In the present application, for example, a continuous,approximately ½″ wide bead of sealant may be laid down across the seam206 and secured thereto, spread, smoothed and/or shaped as desired(e.g., with an instrument or installer's finger), to form a (e.g.,concave) slope or other path for liquid to drain and flow over thepanels 10, ensure the seventh seal 208 covers and seals the entire seam206, for any other purpose(s) or a combination thereof.

However, the seventh seal 208, when included, may have any othersuitable form, configuration, construction, orientation and operationand arranged in any suitable manner. For example, the seventh seal 208may include one or more sections, or strips, of foam tape, rubber gasketseals, rubber door seals and/or a combination of multiple differenttypes of seals. Thus, the type, shape, configuration, construction,orientation and other details of the seventh seal 208 are in no waylimiting upon the present disclosure and appended claims, except andonly to the extent as may be expressly specified otherwise herein or ina particular claim hereof and only for such instances, claim(s) andclaim(s) depending therefrom.

In embodiments including multiple seals 168 (e.g., both sixth andseventh seals 204, 208) at the third interface 202, one seal 168 (e.g.,the sixth seal 204) can serve as a backup to the other seal (e.g.,seventh seal 208). For example, if liquid penetrates through the seventhseal 208, the sixth seal 204 can prevent water entry to the thirdinterface 202 and through the roof 12. Thus, this is an example of twolayers of sealing protection at each interface 202 between a panel 10and horizontal beam 100.

Referring still to FIG. 6 , in many embodiments, the weather resistantbarrier system 166 may provide at least one seal 168 at, or proximateto, any intersection 212 of horizontal and vertical members 84, 100. Forexample, a strip, bed or bead of sealant or calking (e.g., such asdescribed above with respect to seals 178, 186, 196, 204, 208) could beapplied at, around or proximate to one or more intersections 212,sandwiched between the horizontal and vertical members 84, 100 or acombination thereof, to assist in preventing liquid leakage (e.g.,liquid draining through the weep channel(s) 109 of the vertical member100) therebetween and through the roof 12.

Still referring FIG. 6 , in some embodiments having one or more caps 156used to cover one or more clamps 132, the weather resistant barriersystem 166 may provide one or more seals 168 around or adjacent to thecaps 156. For example, if one or more seams 214 (e.g., FIG. 5 ) areformed between the cap 156 and one or more horizontal beams 84, theweather resistant barrier system 166 may provide at least an eighth seal218 at, along or proximate to each such seam 214, such as to helpprevent the leakage of liquid therethrough. The eighth seal 218 may haveany suitable form, configuration, orientation and operation. Forexample, the eighth seal 218 may include at least one cap bead seal(similar to cap bead seals 196, 210) laid down atop each seam 214 alongthe seam's length. If desired, the cap bead seal may be formed of a beadof hardened liquid, or semi-liquid, sealant (e.g., silicone caulk orother weatherproofing) applied over each seam 214. In the presentapplication, for example, a continuous, approximately ½″ wide bead ofsealant may be laid down across each seam 214 and secured thereto,spread, smoothed and/or shaped as desired (e.g., with an instrument orinstaller's finger) to form a (e.g., concave) slope or other path forliquid to drain and flow over the panels 10, ensure the eight seal 216covers and seals the entire seam 214, for any other purpose(s) or acombination thereof.

However, the eighth seal 216, may not be necessary in many embodiments,and when included, may have any other suitable form, configuration,construction, orientation and operation and arranged in any suitablemanner. For example, the eighth seal 216 may include one or moresections, or strips, of foam tape, rubber gasket seals, rubber doorseals and/or a combination of multiple different types of seals. Thus,the type, shape, configuration, construction, orientation and otherdetails of the eighth seal 216 are in no way limiting upon the presentdisclosure and appended claims, except and only to the extent as may beexpressly specified otherwise herein or in a particular claim hereof andonly for such instances, claim(s) and claim(s) depending therefrom.

Referring to FIGS. 8 & 10 , in some embodiments, the trim 78 or othercomponent(s) at the lower end 13 of the roof 12, may be formed over oraround the first horizontal beam 84. In such instances, the front end 20of the panels 10 at that location (e.g., on the first row 44) and anyrelated seals 168 (e.g., the sixth and seventh seals 204, 208) may atleast partially rest upon the trim 78 (or other component). If desired,the (e.g., edge) trim 78 may be custom formed, such as to fit theframework 80, provide a finished look to the system 50 and e shed liquiddown off the roof 12 as desired, for any other purposes(s) or acombination thereof.

In various embodiments, any of the seals 168 (e.g., seals 170, 178, 186,194, 197, 204, 208, 216) may extend (e.g., protrude or splurge) outbeyond the respective corresponding surfaces or interface 56 as anatural consequence of forming the seal 168, due to the nature of thesealing material, to ensure a liquid-tight seal across the entire areato be sealed, to aid in directing the flow of liquid drainage, for anyother purpose(s) or a combination thereof. For example, in FIGS. 7-9 ,the second seal 178 is shown (as viewed from above) extending beyond theassociated intersection of at least some of the panels 10 and associatedvertical members 100 (e.g., at the first interface 174), and in FIGS. 2& 13 as viewed from below. For another example, in FIGS. 5, 8 and 10 ,the sixth seal 204 is shown (as viewed from above) extending beyond theassociated intersection of at least some of the panels 10 and associatedhorizontal member 84 (e.g., at the third interface 202), and in FIGS. 2& 13 as viewed from below.

However, when included, the seals 168 may have any other desired form,configuration, arrangement, construction, location and operation.Moreover, the weather resistant barrier system 166, when included, mayhave any other desired form, components, configuration and operation andthe interfaces 56 (e.g., interfaces 174, 184 and 202) and/or otherlocations on the roof 12 may be sealed in any other suitable manner andwith any other suitable components.

The panel mounting system 50 and roof 12 may be assembled and/or madeleakproof in any suitable manner and any desired order. In someembodiments, referring to FIGS. 1-13 , methods of mounting at least tworows 42 of panels 10 onto an underlying structure 60 to form at leastpart of a pitched roof, wall or other structure 12 include mounting apanel support framework 80 onto the underlying structure 60. The first(e.g., lowermost) exemplary panel row 44 may be mounted to the panelsupport framework 80 closest to the lower end 68 of the underlyingstructure 60 and extending angularly upwardly therefrom over part of thepanel support framework 80. The second (e.g., next higher) panel row 46may be secured to the exemplary panel support framework 80 between thefirst panel row 44 and the upper end 64 of the underlying structure 60and extending angularly upwardly therefrom over part of the panelsupport framework 80. The panels 10 may be arranged so that each panel10 on the second row 46 is offset upwardly relative to adjacent panel(s)10 on the first row 44 in a stepped fashion and/or so that the panels 10do not overlap one another. Additional rows 42 of panels 10 may besimilarly mounted, each successive row 42 secured to the framework 80between the highest panel row 42 and the upper end 64 of the underlyingstructure. However, in other embodiments, the panels rows 42 may be laidin the reverse, or any other, order.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-13 , any one or more of the followingfeatures may be included in certain embodiments of assembling the panelmounting system 50 and roof 12 depending upon the application, personalpreference, other variable(s) or a combination thereof. Thus, someembodiments may include all, only some or none of these features. Thepanel mounting system 50 and roof 12 may be assembled to allow theunimpeded shedding, or flow, of liquid down across the roof 12 (e.g.,arrows 82, FIG. 5 ), including, for example, from the top face 16 of thepanel(s) 10 of a higher (e.g., the second) panel row 46, over the frontedge 20 thereof (e.g., down a vertical and/or angled drop) and onto thetop face 15 of one or more panel(s) 10 of the next lower (e.g., thefirst) panel row 44. At least some (e.g., all) of the interfaces 56between one or more panels 10 and the framework 80 may be sealed, suchas to form a leakproof roof 12. Seals 168 may be provided, for example,between the panels 10 and panel support framework 80 to prevent theleakage of liquid down through the roof 12. For example, at least oneseal 168 may be provided at, or proximate to, one or more (e.g., each)interfaces 56. One or more intersections of components of the panelsupport framework 80 may also, or instead, be sealed.

In some embodiments, the panels 10 may be secured to the panel supportframework 80 without more than minimally obstructing or covering the topface 16 and/or transition 38 of each panel 10. When at least some of thepanels 10 are solar panels 40, for example, the panels 10 may be securedto the panel support framework 80 so that none of the panels 10 coversor overlaps more than a minimal amount of the photovoltaic portion(s) 48of any of the solar panels 40.

The panels 10 may be securely, releasably, clamped to the panel supportframework 80. For example, the panels 10 may be secured to the framework80 with a plurality of clamps 132 without more than minimallyobstructing or covering the top face 16 and/or transition 30 of eachpanel 10 (or certain panels 10). In some embodiments, at least oneelongated clamp 132 extends over at least one panel 10 along at leastpart of one of the side edges 24, 26 thereof and engaged with the panelsupport framework 80. At least one seal 168 may be provided between eachclamp 132 and each panel 10 it secures to the framework 80.

For the panel support framework 80, at least first and second rows 110of vertical beams 100 each extending at least partially between theupper and lower ends 64, 68 of the underlying structure 60, and at leastone horizontal beam 84 extending at least partially between the left andright sides 72, 74 of the underlying structure 60 and between the firstand second rows 110 of vertical beams 100 may be provided. If desired,the horizontal beam(s) 84 may rest upon and/or engage the underlyingstructure 60. Vertical beams 100 on the second row 110 may be at leastsubstantially linearly aligned and offset upwardly relative to verticalbeams 100 on the first row 110.

If each panel row 42 includes multiple panels 10, for example, thepanels 10 of each respective row 42 may be positioned side-by-side. Eachpair of adjacent panels 10 on a common row 42 may be positioned restingthe right side edge 26 of the panel on the left and the left side edge24 of the panel on the right of atop a common vertical beam 100. Foreach pair adjacent rows 42 of panels 10, the rear face 32 of each panel10 on the lower row 42 (e.g., first row 44) may be positioned so thatits rear face 32 abuts the front face 88 of at least one horizontal beam84. The front edge 20 of each panel 10 on the next higher panel row 42(e.g., second row 46) may be placed atop at least a portion of at leastone horizontal beam 84 and spaced rearwardly of the front face 88thereof, so that the panels 10 on the higher row 42 are verticallyhigher than, and spaced rearwardly of, the panels 10 on the lower row42. Additional rows 42 of panels could be similarly arranged. Ifdesired, at least one elongated clamp 132 may be positioned over atleast part of the adjacent side edges 24, 26 of each pair of adjacentpanels 10 and secured to the common vertical beam 100.

At least one seal 168 (e.g., seal strip 180) may be sandwiched at leastpartially between the bottom face 18 of one or more panels 10 and theassociated vertical beam(s) 100. For example, a seal strip 180 may beapplied to the desired part of the bottom face 18 of the panel 10. Thepanel 10 may be thereafter be laid in position and pressed down onto thevertical beam(s) 100. At least one seal 168 (e.g., seal strip 188) maybe sandwiched at least partially between the rear face 32 of one or morepanels 10 and the front face 88 of at least one horizontal beam 84. Forexample, a seal strip 188 may be applied to the desired part of the rearface 32 of the panel 10 and the panel thereafter pressed into placeagainst the horizontal beam(s) 84. At least one seal 168 (e.g., sealstrip 205) may be sandwiched at least partially between the bottom face18, or front face 30, of one or more panels 10 and the top face 91, orrear face 90, of at least one horizontal beam 84, respectively. Forexample, a seal strip 205 may be applied to the desired part of thepanel 10. The panel 10 may thereafter laid in position and pressed intoplace against the horizontal beam(s) 84. At least one seal 168 (e.g.,cap bead seal) may be provided over one or more seams 190, seams 106and/or any seams formed between any caps 156 and one or more horizontalbeams 84. In some embodiments, flashing 198 may be provided over theseam 190 formed between the rear edge 22 of each panel 10 and theassociated horizontal beam(s) 84.

In many embodiments, the panels 10 (e.g., with seals 168, clamps 132,etc.) may be mounted on the panel mounting system 50 in a sort ofweatherboard fashion from the bottom to the top of the area to becovered so the roof 12 is formed from the lower end 13 to the ridge 14,with each succeeding row 42 of panels 10 offset vertically relative thepreceding row 42 and, if desired, without overlapping it. Such assemblymethod may be used to encourage liquid shedding off the roof 12 fromupper to lower rows 42 of panels 10 generally across the top faces 16thereof (e.g., and other outer surfaces and/or components of the panelmounting system 50 and roof 12) and eventually off the roof 12 withoutleaking through it.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure thus offer advantagesover the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one or more of theobjects of this disclosure. However, the present invention does notrequire each of the components and acts described above and is in no waylimited to the above-described embodiments or methods of operation. Anyone or more of the above components, features and processes may beemployed in any suitable configuration without inclusion of other suchcomponents, features and processes. Thus, embodiments of the presentdisclosure may have any one or more of the features described or shownin this patent. Moreover, the present invention includes additionalfeatures, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications thathave not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will become,apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings and/andclaims.

The methods described above or claimed herein and any other methodswhich may fall within the scope of the appended claims can be performedin any desired or suitable order and are not necessarily limited to anysequence described herein or as may be listed in the appended claims.Further, the methods of various embodiments of the present disclosuremay include additional acts beyond those mentioned herein and do notnecessarily require use of the particular components shown and describedherein, but are equally applicable with any other suitable structure,form and configuration of components.

While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, manyvariations, modifications and/or changes of the system, apparatus andmethods of the present disclosure, such as in the components, details ofconstruction and operation, arrangement of parts and/or methods of use,are possible, contemplated by the patent applicant(s) hereof, within thescope of any appended claims, and may be made and used by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit, teachingsand scope of this disclosure and any appended claims. Thus, all matterherein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings should beinterpreted as illustrative, and the scope of the disclosure and anyappended claims should not be limited to the embodiments described orshown herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of forming a leakproof pitchedwall or roof section with solar panels on an underlying subframe havingmultiple spaced-apart subframe members and upper and lower ends, eachsolar panel having a top face, front face at a front edge thereof andrear face at a rear edge thereof, the top face meeting the front face ofeach solar panel at a transition, the method comprising: mounting apanel support framework onto at least some of the subframe members;securing a first row of solar panels to the panel support frameworkcloser to the lower end than the upper end of the subframe and extendingangularly upwardly over part of the panel support framework; securing asecond row of solar panels to the panel support framework between thefirst row of solar panels and the upper end of the subframe andextending angularly upwardly over part of the panel support framework;arranging the solar panels so that at least one panel on the secondpanel row is offset upwardly relative to at least one solar panel on thefirst row, wherein the solar panels are secured to the panel supportframework without covering over 10% of the top face and transition ofeach solar panel; providing seals between the solar panels and panelsupport framework to prevent the leakage of liquid through the pitchedwall or roof section formed by the solar panels; and allowing liquid toflow unimpeded from the top face of at least one of the solar panels onthe second panel row and down onto the top face of at least one of thesolar panels of the first panel row.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereineach solar panel contacts or is secured to the panel support frameworkat, or proximate to, at least one interface, further including sealingeach interface.
 3. The method of claim 2 further including providing atleast two seals at, or proximate to, each interface.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the top face of each solar panel includes one or morephotovoltaic portions for receiving sunlight, further including mountingthe solar panels to the panel support framework so that none of thesolar panels covers or overlaps the photovoltaic portion(s) of any ofthe other solar panels.
 5. The method of claim 1 further includingsecuring the solar panels to the panel support framework with aplurality of clamps without covering the transition of each solar panel.6. The method of claim 1 further including at least one clamp extendingover at least one solar panel along at least part of at least one sideedge thereof and engaging the panel support framework.
 7. The method ofclaim 6 further including providing at least one elongated seal betweeneach clamp and each solar panel it secures to the panel supportframework.
 8. A method of forming a leakproof pitched wall or roofsection with solar panels on an underlying subframe having upper andlower ends, the method comprising: mounting a panel support frameworkonto the subframe, the panel support framework including at least firstand second angularly-oriented support beams extending at least partiallybetween the upper and lower ends of the subframe, the secondangularly-oriented support beam being linearly aligned with and offsetupwardly relative to the first angularly-oriented support beam in astepped fashion; securing a first row of solar panels to the panelsupport framework closer to the lower end than the upper end of thesubframe and extending angularly upwardly over part of the panel supportframework; securing a second row of solar panels to the panel supportframework between the first panel row and the upper end of the subframeand extending angularly upwardly over part of the panel supportframework, wherein each panel row includes at least first and secondsolar panels, the first and second solar panels of each respective rowbeing positioned side-by-side, whereby a right side edge of the firstsolar panel and a left side edge of the second solar panel of the firstpanel row rest atop the first angularly-oriented support beam and aright side edge of the first solar panel and a left side edge of thesecond solar panel of the second panel row rest atop the secondangularly-oriented support beam, each solar panel on the second panelrow being offset upwardly relative to at least one solar panel on thefirst panel row in a stepped fashion; providing seals between the solarpanels and panel support framework to prevent the leakage of liquidthrough the pitched wall or roof section formed by the solar panels; andallowing liquid to flow unimpeded from a top face of at least one of thesolar panels on the second panel row and down onto a top face of atleast one of the solar panels of the first panel row.
 9. The method ofclaim 8 wherein each solar panel contacts or is secured to the panelsupport framework at, or proximate to, at least one interface, furtherincluding sealing each interface.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein thetop face of each solar panel includes one or more photovoltaic portionsfor receiving sunlight, further including mounting the solar panels tothe panel support framework so that none of the solar panels covers oroverlaps the photovoltaic portion(s) of any of the other solar panels.11. The method of claim 8 wherein each solar panel has a top face, afront face at a front edge thereof and a rear face at a rear edgethereof, wherein the top face meets the front face of each solar panelat a transition, further including securing the solar panels to thepanel support framework with a plurality of clamps without covering thetransition of each solar panel.
 12. The method of claim 8 furtherincluding at least one clamp extending over at least one solar panelalong at least part of at least one side edge thereof and engaging thepanel support framework, and providing at least one seal between eachclamp and each solar panel it secures to the panel support framework.13. The method of claim 8 wherein each solar panel has a front facealong the front edge thereof and a rear face along a rear edge thereof,further wherein the panel support framework includes at least onehorizontally-oriented support beam having front and rear faces andextending at least partially between left and right sides of thesubframe, further including positioning at least a first solar panel ofthe first panel row so that its rear face abuts the front face of atleast a first horizontally-oriented support beam, and positioning thefront edge of at least a first solar panel of the second panel row atopat least a portion of the first horizontally-oriented support beam. 14.The method of claim 13 further including sandwiching at least one sealstrip at least partially between the rear face of at least the firstsolar panel on the first row and the front face of the firsthorizontally-oriented support beam, and sandwiching at least one sealstrip at least partially between a bottom face of at least the firstsolar panel on the second panel row and the first horizontally-orientedsupport beam.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein at least one seam isformed between the rear edge of each solar panel on the first panel rowand at least one horizontally-oriented support beam and at least oneseam is formed between the front edge of each solar panel on the secondpanel row and at least one horizontally-oriented support beam, furtherincluding providing a respective cap bead seal across each seam, andextending flashing over the seam formed between the rear edge of eachsolar panel on the first panel row and the associatedhorizontally-oriented support beam(s).
 16. A method of forming aleakproof pitched wall or roof section with solar panels on anunderlying subframe having multiple spaced-apart subframe members andupper and lower ends, each solar panel having a front face at a frontedge thereof, a rear face at a rear edge thereof and a top face meetingthe front face at a transition, the top face having one or morephotovoltaic portions for receiving sunlight, the method comprising:mounting a panel support framework onto at least some of the subframemembers; with a plurality of elongated clamps, securely releasablyclamping a first row of solar panels to the panel support frameworkcloser to the lower end than the upper end of the subframe and extendingangularly upwardly over part of the panel support framework; with aplurality of elongated clamps, securely releasably clamping a second rowof solar panels to the panel support framework between the first panelrow and the upper end of the subframe and extending angularly upwardlyover part of the panel support framework so that the solar panels on thesecond panel row is offset upwardly relative to the solar panels on thefirst panel row, whereby the solar panels are secured to the panelsupport framework without covering or overlapping the transition orphotovoltaic portion(s) of any of the solar panels; providing sealsbetween the solar panels and panel support framework to prevent theleakage of liquid through the pitched wall or roof section formed by thesolar panels; and allowing liquid to flow unimpeded from the top face ofat least one of the solar panels on the second panel row, down over thefront edge of at least one of the solar panels on the second panel rowand onto the top face of at least one of the solar panels of the firstpanel row.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein each solar panel contactsor is secured to the panel support framework at, or proximate to, atleast one interface, further including sealing each interface.
 18. Themethod of claim 16 further including at least one elongated clampextending over each solar panel along at least part of at least one sideedges-thereof and engaging the panel support framework, and providing atleast one elongated seal between each elongated clamp and each solarpanel it secures to the panel support framework.
 19. A method of forminga leakproof pitched wall or roof section with solar panels on anunderlying subframe having multiple spaced-apart subframe members andupper and lower ends, the method comprising: mounting a panel supportframework onto at least some of the subframe members, the panel supportframework including at least first and second angularly-oriented supportbeams, each angularly-oriented support beam extending partially betweenthe upper and lower ends of the subframe; securing a first row of solarpanels to the panel support framework closer to the lower end than theupper end of the subframe and extending angularly upwardly over part ofthe panel support framework; securing a second row of solar panels tothe panel support framework between the first panel row and the upperend of the subframe so that at least one panel on the second panel rowis offset upwardly relative to at least one solar panel on the firstpanel row, each panel row including at least first and second solarpanels; positioning the first and second solar panels of the first panelrow side-by-side; positioning a right side-edge of the first solar paneland a left side-edge of the second solar panel of the first panel rowover the first angularly-oriented support beam; and providing sealsbetween the solar panels and panel support framework to prevent theleakage of liquid through the pitched wall or roof section formed by thesolar panels, the seals including at least one seal strip sandwiched atleast partially between the first angularly-oriented support beam andthe first solar panel of the first panel row along its right side-edge,and at least one seal strip sandwiched at least partially between thefirst angularly-oriented support beam and the second solar panel of thefirst panel row along its left side-edge.
 20. The method of claim 19further including extending a first elongated clamp over at least partof the adjacent side edges of the first and second solar panels of thefirst panel row, and securing the first elongated clamp to the firstangularly-oriented support beam.